Ground was officially broken for the new Moniteau County Jail on Thursday, Nov. 10, with city and county officials, chamber members and representatives of the contractors and architects present.
The project has been in the works for several years and when completed a new jail will be in place on a site north of the courthouse at the corner of North Street and Highway 87.
According to Sheriff Jeptha "J" Gump, the new jail will be capable of housing up to 42 inmates, including 12 to 16 females.
"It's about time," Gump said, commenting that housing inmates elewhere just sends county dollars away.
For more of this story check out the Nov. 16 issue of the California Democrat.